Why traditional music lessons don't work

When I started harp lessons as a child, I studied with very traditional teacher. She selected what songs I would learn from an exam syllabus, typically classical or traditional songs which I often disliked. Each lesson, my teacher would write my mistakes in my notebook. It felt like work, not play. After the exam, I never played those pieces again. After years of lessons, I knew no songs that I truly loved. When I did play, all I could hear was the mistakes. I had lost the joy of playing. Music was something I did for exams, not for pleasure.

After music college, I began working in theatre. In contrast to classical music, theatre is all about creativity and play. This playfulness and improvisational spirit inspired me to approach music differently. I started improvising, playing by ear, creating. I got such an enthusiastic response. I started learning pop songs and classics that I loved on the harp. I started playing music with friends. It was joyful, sociable, fun

When I started to teach, I began to experiment with non traditional methods of learning. I would teach students songs they loved, I would teach them by ear if that was easier. My teaching was entirely student focussed. Were they having fun? Were they enjoying what they played? How could I improve the learning experience for them?

My students thrived with these methods. They got results quickly, learning their favourite songs. Those who had lost the love of playing in traditional lessons were excited by learning again.

To date over 1800 students from 95 countries have studied with me online.